Now Commenting On:

Ross shows back-to-back prowess

Ross shows back-to-back prowess

Robbie Ross

By
/
MLB.com |

BOSTON -- Robbie Ross, pitching in relief, was the winning pitcher for the Rangers on Saturday and Sunday. That made him the first Rangers pitcher to win his first two Major League decisions in consecutive games.

Ross is also just the sixth Rangers pitcher to win on consecutive days. Steve Foucault did it twice in 1975, while Jackie Brown (1973), Steve Comer ('81), Jeff Russell ('91) and Wes Littleton (2007).

Manager Ron Washington was more impressed that Ross was able to go back-to-back without any trouble. He threw 15 pitches over two-thirds of an inning on Saturday and threw 25 pitches over two innings on Sunday.

"He's a resilient kid," Washington said. "He didn't show any wear and tear. It didn't affect him. That shows you he has a resilient arm."

Washington said Ross pitched two innings on Sunday because he thought the game was headed for extra innings. Instead, the Rangers won, 4-3, in nine innings.

"The game looked like it was going extra innings, so we were trying to use the bullpen as conveniently as we could," Washington said.

Washington was also pleased Joe Nathan was able to pitch back-to-back scoreless innings on Saturday and Sunday. He had allowed runs in two previous appearances in the second game of back-to-back outings.

"The good ones find a way to get back on track, and he's a good one," Washington said.